Iranian drone flies too close to U.S. forces for second time in a week

For the second time in a week, an Iranian drone came dangerously close to U.S. jets Sunday that were operating off the aircraft carrier Nimitz in the Persian Gulf, Navy officials said Monday (MC2 Holly L. Herline/Navy).

For the second time in a week, an Iranian drone flew too close for the Navy’s comfort in the Persian Gulf.

The latest incident took place in the early evening on Sunday, when a QOM-1 drone came within 1,000 feet of U.S. jets operating from the carrier Nimitz, Naval Forces Central Command officials said.

It marks the 14th unsafe or unprofessional flight incident involving Iran this year, according to defense officials.

“Despite repeated radio calls to establish communications and remain clear, the QOM-1‘s controlling station was unresponsive and the (drone) did not use any navigation lights while it made several passes in close proximity to Nimitz and its escort ships during active flight operations,” NAVCENT spokesman Lt. Ian McConnaughey said in a statement.

The failure of the drone’s controllers to use standard, internationally mandated navigation lights during a nighttime approach created a perilous situation and potential for collision, he said.

The carrier strike group took no further action and the drone flew away, McConnaughey said.

You May Also Like

Geoff is a senior staff reporter for Military Times, focusing on the Navy. He covered Iraq and Afghanistan extensively and was most recently a reporter at the Chicago Tribune. He welcomes any and all kinds of tips at geoffz@militarytimes.com.